The Horse Stars Hall of Fame honors the contributions of amazing horses by sharing the stories of their athletic and humanitarian feats. It was established by the EQUUS Foundation and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) in 2013 to celebrate the extraordinary talent of horses and their magical and powerful bond with people.
The USEF inducts the horses recognized annually as “Horses of Honor” for their stellar athletic performances. The EQUUS Foundation inducts horses who have had an inspirational impact on the public as companions, teachers and healers.
EQUUS FOUNDATION INDUCTEES
(2003 – 2023)
Owned by Cindy Burke
Kodiak was frequently described by his countless fans as a “gentle giant” – nearly 18 hands, he had dinner-plate sized feet, a strapping chest, and a head at least as long as the average woman’s torso. Whether he was cantering down center line, carrying a therapeutic rider, or filling the draw at an Intercollegiate Dressage Association show, Kodiak positively improved the lives of everyone he met—all while battling PSSM. READ MORE →
(1990 – )
Owned by Misty Meadows Equine Learning Center
For over two decades, Noble has been teaching, healing, and nurturing the islanders of Martha’s Vineyard, first at Rising Tide Therapeutic Equestrian Center, and since 2018, at Misty Meadows Equine Learning Center in West Tisbury, Massachusetts. Throughout his long career, Noble has proven time and again that he loves every aspect of his job, whether he is offering a toddler their first ride or greeting an elderly resident in a wheelchair. In recognition of his lifetime of service, Noble was recognized by PATH International as its 2023 Equine of the Year. READ MORE →
(2008 – )
Owned by Gleneayre Equestrian Program
One day in 2012, a jogger running through the streets of Philadelphia came upon a thin, piebald pony tied to a chain link fence. No one is exactly sure how the 4-year-old pony ended up tied to a fence in the middle of Pennsylvania’s largest city, but she was under-weight, dehydrated, and had hygromas on both knees. She was restored to good health by a rescue and adopted in December 2012 by Gleneayre Equestrian Program. “When we brought her home, I thought, Rosie really got the best Christmas present ever,” said Alison Johnson, Managing Director. “But in the long run, we ended up with the best Christmas present.” READ MORE →
(1991 – 2024 )
Owned by Dream Catcher of Los Angeles Therapeutic Riding Center
When Dream Catcher of L.A. Therapeutic Riding Centers was established in Los Angeles, California in 2009, for the first year, their only equine employee was a flea-bitten gray Thoroughbred named Tristan, registered with The Jockey Club as “Tap Til Dawn”. Before becoming a therapeutic riding specialist, Tristan had already been a racehorse, a hunter/jumper, and a dressage mount. Despite these qualities, many were still skeptical that relying on an off-track Thoroughbred for equine-assisted services was a good idea. But for the next fourteen years, Tristan proved that the heart of a Thoroughbred is capable of more than just athletic performance. READ MORE →
(1996 – )
Owned by Special Equestrians
For over 40 years, Special Equestrians Therapeutic Riding Center in Warrington, Pennsylvania has shared the joy of horsemanship with diverse programming, from therapeutic riding lessons to occupational therapy to mental health-based sessions to school and nursing home visits. For over two decades, a special Haflinger known as “Bear” has played a critical role in every program they offer. “He’s our starting point for everybody,” said Executive Director Janice Witt. “He is our ‘go-to’ guy for everything.” READ MORE →
UNITED STATES EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION INDUCTEES
(2009 – )
Owned by Tracy Bowman
If you ask Tracy Bowman why her Welsh gelding, Albrecht’s Hoeve’s Lars, is such a good fit for para-driving, she answers that he really isn’t; instead, she says the 2023 US Equestrian Federation International Horse of Honor isn’t a horse “for the faint of heart.” He’s strong. He’s reactive. He’s spooky. The first time Bowman approached him in his stall, he pinned his ears back, bit the air, and acted like he wanted to attack. During one of their first drives together, he bolted. But, says Bowman, “Once you get to know him, you find it’s all fake. I feel I have my decked stacked for me – like I’m cheating – to have Lars. He is the real thing.” READ MORE →
(2009 – )
Owned by Karlton Jackson and Emily Shippee
In a recent survey posted by Arabian Horse Times, editors asked readers to name the one Arabian horse they would most like to ride. Among amateur and youth riders, there was a clear consensus – Heirs Noble Love. For her breeder and co-owner, Karlton Jackson, this recognition of his “effervescent” mare “Princess” was almost as sweet as any one of her twelve national championship wins in English Pleasure and Pleasure Driving. “That was part of the goal of my breeding program – to breed really good horses that amateurs can have, and ride well, and enjoy,” says Jackson. “She’s a wonderful horse to be around, and a lot of spirited horses, they’re not that way. We love her to death.” READ MORE →
(2006 – )
Owned by Alexandra Ahearn, Ellen Ahearn, and Eric Markell
In 2010, Ellen Ahearn and her husband Eric Markell purchased a black 4-year-old eventing prospect at an auction in Munich, Germany. The German Sport Horse gelding was intended to be a mount for their then 15-year-old daughter, Alex Ahearn, who had upper level goals. Little did they know at the time that the horse’s innate athleticism and joie de vivre would eventually propel Mai Baum to the world stage. Now 17, Lexus is in “the best shape of his life”, and his team is cautiously looking forward to the possibility of an appearance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, although his soundness and well-being remain their highest priority. In the meantime, he will continue to be spoiled at home — his favorite treats are pears and Kashi shredded wheat, and he hates to share — and to pose for photos with his many fans. READ MORE →
(2012 – )
Owned by Meredith Lipke
It takes a pretty special horse to go from success in the jumper ring to success in the international hunter derby field, all in less than eighteen months. But it takes an exceptional horse to be so consistent in his new career that he becomes not only the winner of the Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship, but also the 2023 Leading International Derby Horse and US Equestrian Federation Horse of the Year in the High Performance Working Hunter Division. Yet Paradigm, owned by Meredith Lipke and ridden by John French, achieved all of this, and more– and as a result, was named 2023 USEF National Horse of the Year. READ MORE →
(2016 – )
Owned by Leslie Kelley
2023 was only VL Todd Michael’s third full season showing western pleasure, and the Morgan gelding made it his winningest year yet. In 13 classes, ‘Toad’ finished first or second in all but one, including earning Reserve World Champion and World Champion titles, respectively, in the amateur and open ladies western pleasure classes at the Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show in October. In recognition of his outstanding performances, he was named a 2023 US Equestrian Federation National Horse of Honor. “Despite many offers,” said Leslie Kelley, “Toad is not – and never will be – for sale. People I don’t even know – and I’ve been around Morgans since 1970 – will come up and say, ‘we’re such a huge fan of Todd Michael. He is such an amazing ambassador for his breed.” READ MORE →
“On behalf of the EQUUS Foundation and the United States Equestrian Federation, we wish to recognize the contributions of Christina Keim in authoring the profiles of the 2024 inductees and to the many authors and photographers who have contributed over the years,” said Lynn Coakley, EQUUS Foundation President.
The Horse Stars Hall of Fame is a wonderful way to demonstrate the staying power of horses — as athletes, laborers, companions, teachers and healers — and their unique abilities to move us through a spectrum of experiences from thrill and exhilaration to pure joy. By sharing the stories of these amazing horses, we hope to build a more informed and compassionate America that values the impact of horses in our lives.
Visit the Horse Stars Hall of Fame here
ABOUT EQUUS FOUNDATION: The EQUUS Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity established in 2002, is the only national animal welfare charity in the United States 100% dedicated to protecting America’s horses from peril and strengthening the bond between people and horses. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Contact the EQUUS Foundation, Inc., at 168 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT 06880, Tele: (203) 259-1550, E-Mail: mail@equusfoundation.org, Website: equusfoundation.org.
ABOUT THE US EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION: Established in 1917, the United States Equestrian Federation (US Equestrian), the governing body of equestrian sport in the United States, is dedicated bringing the joy of horse sports to as many people as possible. Learn more about the US Equestrian at www.usequestrian.org.
View release and photos online here
Contact: Lynn Coakley
mail@equusfoundation.org
203-259-1550